Zimbabwe is home to an array of fantastic value and exceptional safari lodges. Here, you get some of the best guiding, wildlife and overall safari experience in Southern Africa but for half the price as its neighbour Botswana. We would really recommend Zimbabwe for this reason! It is also a really off the beaten track safari adventure, as the parks are quiet and you still get the private concession feel as with the Okavango Delta. Lodges range from $700 per person per night up to $1,350 per person per night, so Zimbabwe caters for a good range of budgets. However, there is not necessarily a super glamorous option in Zimbabwe – the lodges go from authentic style safari camps, to classic, old school permanent safari lodges. There is no show-stopping or modern luxury here, so if this is a priority and you have deeper pockets, we would suggest Botswana.
The best authentic and great value safari lodges in Zimbabwe
Two of the very best authentic safari camps in Zimbabwe are located in Hwange National Park - The Hide and Davisions which cost $700 per person per night. Both are tented camps and offer an exceptional yet very authentic safari experience – all the comforts you need; excellent beds, cosy rooms, good food and dining, excellent service and the guiding is fabulous. If you like to feel as though you are truly in the wilderness, and are after that classic old school safari experience without the added mod-cons, then these lodges are perfect.
The best classic safari lodges in Zimbabwe
The lodges at the top end of luxury in Zimbabwe are the Wilderness Safaris properties; in Hwange there is Linkwasha at $1,260 per person per night as well as Little Mackalolo at $990 per person per night. In Mana Pools you have Ruckomechi at $1,172 per person per night, and Chikwenya at $1,352 per person per night. These lodges could not quite be called “barefoot luxury” as in their essence, they are authentic safari camps reminiscent more of the old school safari romance, rather than being obviously luxurious. The luxury comes in the quality of guiding, service and overall safari experience.
Little Mackalolo is probably the most rustic of these which is reflected in the price – though the camp is an excellent one, and an office favourite. Then you have Ruckomechi, which is really captures the romance of safari in its interiors, and barefoot comfort. We love it. Then, Linkwasha and Chickwenya, which are the more luxurious it gets in Zimbabwe. They are tastefully done, and are extremely comfortable camps, though they do not match with high end luxury in Botswana. Perfect for travellers who don’t want to fork out a huge amount, but still like a few mod cons like a communal pool to relax in after a long day of safari.
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Amalinda - Matobo National Park
Our View
Amalinda encapsulates everything that we love about family run lodges. The Matobo Hills are a rarely visited area of Zimbabwe. Not far from Bulawayo, this area is often missed by visitors who focus their attention on Mana Pools, Hwange and Victoria Falls, but we think that everyone should spend time in this pocket of natural beauty.
Our Rating:
Cost: $600
Batonka guest lodge - Victoria Falls
Our View
Just 2.2 kilometres from the famous Victoria Falls Rainforest entrance and 1km from the town centre itself, Batonka Guest Lodge is a new small intimate lodge situated in the quiet residential suburb of Victoria Falls. A lovely small owner run property that ticks all the boxes for a home away from home and has become a firm favourite with Africa odyssey clients.
Our Rating:
Cost: $190
Bumi Hills - Lake Kariba
Our View
Visitors to Lake Kariba are usually attracted by the exceptional fishing or the renowned game viewing of the Matusadona National Park on the shore. The unique, elevated situation of Bumi Hills provides guests with stunning views of this vast lake and all the comforts expected of a safari lodge.
Our Rating:
Cost: $650
Camp Hwange - Hwange
Our View
Camp Hwange is a traditional bush camp, and a brilliant option for those who don’t need cutting edge architecture and all the luxuries to have a good time. Instead, you get atmosphere, cracking campfire tales and brilliant wildlife, with all the comforts you could need and a touch more, but without spending a fortune. It is an excellent value option.
Our Rating:
Cost: $
Changa Safari Camp - Lake Kariba
Our View
A superb offering on the shores of Lake Kariba, Changa Safari Camp is set in a private concession with beautiful views over the Matusadona Mountains. With kilometres of private shoreline, the ability to relax on the sand with a sundowner after a days safari is something rather unique for a safari camp.Changa is set approximately 40km South West of Kariba Town, overlooking the vast Lake Kariba. Best described as simple yet luxurious Changa Safari Camp really is superb value.
Our Rating:
Cost: $400
Chikwenya - Mana Pools
Our View
Chikwenya has proved itself to be a really exciting addition to Mana Pools. Set on the eastern Mana Pools border, sandwiched between the National Park and the newly restored Sapi reserve, it is a world away and very much off the beaten track. Remaining wholly luxurious, Chikwenya is an excellent pick for the seasoned safari goer and truly a phographer's paradise.
Our Rating:
Cost: $1,288
Davisons Camp - Hwange
Our View
Davisons Camp lies deep in Hwange National Park, in the south-eastern Linkwasha Concession - one of the best game viewing areas of the entire Park. It is a classic African tented camp, with the units tastefully hidden beneath a grove of false mopane trees, overlooking a waterhole and open plain.This camp is rather rustic and lacks many of the mod cons which gives it its charm. The water hole is a hive of game activity which most of the tents overlook. There are few camps that you can watch such an abundance of game right from your tent veranda.
Our Rating:
Cost: $667
Ilala Lodge - Victoria Falls
Our View
Ilala Lodge is everything you need for a Victoria Falls hotel stay. Location is key, and from here all the attractions are on your doorstep. The rooms are well appointed and spacious, and you can hear the thunder of the falls and see the iconic billowing mist from its doors.
Our Rating:
Cost: $220
Ivory Lodge - Hwange National Park
Our View
Simple and charming, Ivory Lodge provides a perfect blend of authentic safari and family friendliness, giving everything one could need from an authentic Bushcamp experience in Hwange. The camp’s waterhole is always a hive of activity and the tree-house inspired thatch chalets have wonderful views of a portion of the fifteen-thousand acre private concession where game viewing activities take place.Our Rating:
Cost: $450
Kanga - Mana Pools
Our View
Located in a very isolated area deep within the South Eastern region of Mana Pools National Park, Kanga Bush Camp is named after the pan it overlooks. Offering arguably some of the best game viewing in Mana Pools during the dry season, the sheer diversity of game that comes to the pan is incredible. This is the definition of the armchair safari with many guests choosing not to leave the main area. By sitting and observing the wildlife comes to you.Our Rating:
Cost: $1,073
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